propose

[ pruh-pohz ]

verb (used with object)

, pro·posed, pro·pos·ing.

1. to offer or suggest (a matter, subject, case, etc.) for consideration, acceptance, or action:

   to propose a new method.

   Synonyms: counsel, suggest, tender, offer, proffer

   Antonyms: withdraw

2. to offer (a toast).
3. to suggest:

   He proposed that a messenger be sent.

4. to present or nominate (a person) for some position, office, membership, etc.

   Synonyms: nominate, name

5. to put before oneself as something to be done; design; intend.

   Synonyms: plan, aim

6. to present to the mind or attention; state.

   Synonyms: posit, pose

7. to propound (a question, riddle, etc.).

verb (used without object)

, pro·posed, pro·pos·ing.

1. to make an offer or suggestion, especially of marriage.
2. to form or consider a purpose or design.

propose

/ prəˈpəʊz /

verb

1. when tr, may take a clause as object to put forward (a plan, motion, etc) for consideration or action
2. tr to nominate, as for a position
3. tr to plan or intend (to do something)

   I propose to leave town now

4. tr to announce the drinking of (a toast) to (the health of someone, etc)
5. introften foll byto to make an offer of marriage (to someone)

Derived Forms

• proˈposable, adjective
• proˈposer, noun

Other Words From

• pro·pos·a·ble adjective
• pro·pos·er noun
• mis·pro·pose verb misproposed misproposing
• re·pro·pose verb reproposed reproposing
• un·pro·pos·a·ble adjective
• un·pro·pos·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of propose¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Middle French proposer ( pro- ¹, pose ¹ ), by association with derivatives of Latin prōpositus, past participle of prōpōnere “to set forth;” See propositus

Word History and Origins

Origin of propose¹

C14: from Old French proposer, from Latin prōpōnere to display, from pro- ¹+ pōnere to place

Synonym Study

See intend.

Example Sentences

Some consumers have taken legal action against the firm, including a proposed class-action lawsuit filed in October.

From BBC

Industries such as automotive, electronics and apparel retail could face significant pressures under his proposed tariffs, according to a report by asset management company Janus Henderson.

From Salon

Officials are proposing to do so on land already zoned for multifamily housing, where people tend to be renters, not in neighborhoods zoned for single-family houses where people tend to own.

From Los Angeles Times

The proposed nonresident tuition increase drew opposition from some students during the meeting’s public comments Wednesday.

From Los Angeles Times

“We need to be thinking in a more distributed fashion than the centralized systems that are currently being imagined and proposed,” Winter said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ask
• come up with
• introduce
• nominate
• offer
• recommend
• request
• submit
• urge